GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD / 1994 PREVIEW : Mission Viejo

Coach: Fred Almond (14th year).

1992-93: South Coast League champion, runner-up at Orange County Championships.

Key returners: Caren Anderson, Sr., 1600, 3200; Erica Dickson, So., LJ, TJ; Nina Foster, Sr., SP, DT, TJ; Danielle Heer, Sr., SP, DT; Beth Merkle, Jr., LJ, 400, 300 IH; Erin Merkle, So., 100 LH, HJ, LJ; Kelly Phillips, Jr., 100, 200; Julienne Marie Santos, Sr., 100, 200.

Key newcomers: Nicki Delange, So., LJ, 100LH; Julie Rademacher, Fr., 100, 200.

Outlook: One of the truest “teams” in the county. While the talent-rich Diablos finished second at the Orange County championships last season, they placed no one on the Times Orange County’s first or second teams. Phillips won the South Coast League title in the 100 and 200 meters last spring, and Foster finished second in the shotput and third in the discus. Beth Merkle was the county runner-up in the long jump, 400 and 300 hurdles last season. Mission Viejo has won 11 consecutive league championships. “I am hoping for some surprises,” Almond said.